Florida Teachers Disappointed with Judge’s Ruling Teacher Parent Synergy

Florida Teachers Disappointed with Judge’s Ruling

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today government employees across Florida start paying 3 percent of their salary toward their pensions, but that cash will not be set aside in a separate account as teachers had hoped.

Leon County Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford ruled against the teachers’ request for a temporary injunction to have the money set aside during litigation over the new pension contribution.

Teachers made that request because they’re concerned the money won’t be available for a refund if the law is ruled unconstitutional and they win the case.

Attorneys for the state successfully argued that the state of Florida would make good on a refund if necessary.

The 3 percent pension contribution from public employees will amount to about $800 million a year.

FEA Attorney Ron Meyer says he’s optimistic teachers will prevail on the question of whether the new law is unconstitutional.

“While we are disappointed that the court didn’t take action to ensure the availability of funds to pay back to employees if we prevail in the lawsuit, this is a minor setback and cannot be viewed as a determination that our claims are not just.”

Arguments on the constitutionality of the law are set for October.

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